Rs 285 crore rope car project linking Marina with Beasant Nagar likely to be implemented; Feasibility report after MCC

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
Chennai is likely to have an added tourist attraction. The city is likely to implement ropeway project for a distance of 4.6km which would promote beach tourism.

National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) will be preparing a detailed feasibility report for the implementation of Rs 285 crore ropeway project linking Marina Beach with Beasant Nagar after the phasing out of model code of conduct (MCC) for Lok Sabha Elections.

"We have got the in-principle clearance from the state government for the project which has also cleared the alignment," a NHLML official told TNIE. He said the detailed feasibility report could not be done due to the model code of conduct.

Once the detailed feasibility report is finalised we will call for bids for the project. It is learnt that the project would require CRZ clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests. The official also said that the project would acquisition of few parcels of land, The official, however, refused to give a timeline stating that the implementation is likely to take time.

Interestingly, the project is considered to be one of the core projects to be implemented, according to Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board. State government sources said that the ropeway project will provide urban decongestion and boost tourism from Marina Beach to Elliot's Beach with three stations.

It is learnt that Monocable Detachable Gondola Ropeway systems will be used with a cabin capacity of 10 persons and maximum capacity of 4500 passengers per hour per direction (PPHD). The project which is also being jointly implemented by Department of Highways andf minor Ports would be done through hybrid annuity mode and would take two years to finish providing all clearances are there and land being acquired for the project.

It is learnt that 60% of construction support will be provided by NHLML under the hybrid annuity mode for ropeways as compared to 40% support provided under national highways to attract more private players for the development of ropeways. The concession period is for 20 years.